"A heathen, then—a damned soul" (Paula started palpably). "Splitting hairs about terms don't alter the essential fact."
"Nobody can deplore the truth more than I; but to risk its being made a subject of gossip——"
"Tabitha Cone is not given to tattle. She may gossip with Almighty God about this matter. She has known Him for many years."
Paula shuddered. To know Omnipotence in this blunt fashion grated on her nerves. "I have humbled myself many times and sought her eternal welfare in prayer," she said.
"I hope your condescension may ultimately benefit her," snapped the old lady. "I can't say I have noticed any change, certainly no change for the better."
"I referred to Natalie."
"Oh, and so that is the way to pronounce the outlandish name. My nephew Eliphalet's mother's name was Susan; my own name has been in the family two hundred years—well, and if Ellis Winter is right, your humblings seem to have done but little good. Perhaps those of the despised Tabitha Cone may have more effect, even if unaccompanied with flummery——"
"Miss Claghorn, you are not generally unjust."
"Never. But I get tired of millinery in religion. Ah! if only you would humble yourself—but there! I suppose you intone the prayer for your daily bread. Pah!"
Paula rose majestically.